Effect of Lime on Stability of Chromium in Stainless Steel Slag

The stabilization of chromium is of great importance to the use of stainless steel slag (SSS), and the influence of lime on the stability of chromium is currently unclear. In this work, the variation of phase transformation and chromium distribution with slag basicity (CaO/SiO2) were investigated experimentally, and the leaching ability of chromium was evaluated. Results showed that chromium-bearing phases were glass, dicalcium silicate (C2S), spinel, and periclase, while the degree of enrichment of chromium in these phases was found to be closely related to the basicity. The optimal basicity obtained in this research was 1.5, with the chromium mainly present in the stable spinel and exhibiting the lowest leaching ability. The product layer structure of unmelted lime was studied as well, showing a periclase layer and a Ca2SiO4 layer. Some CaCr2O4 had formed in the periclase layer, which is potentially hazardous for the environment and living organisms.